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What does the "flash-to-bang" method help athletic trainers roughly calculate?

  1. How far away thunder is occurring

  2. The amount of time before play is resumed

  3. How far away lightning is occurring

  4. The intensity of the thunder

The correct answer is: How far away lightning is occurring

The "flash-to-bang" method is an important safety technique used to determine the distance of lightning strikes. When lightning flashes, observers start counting seconds until they hear the thunder (the "bang"). It is understood that for every five seconds counted between the flash and the bang, the lightning is approximately one mile away. This method helps athletic trainers assess the risk of nearby lightning and make informed decisions regarding the safety of athletes and spectators. The other options do not accurately capture the primary purpose of the flash-to-bang method. While the method may indirectly relate to the timing of play resumption or the perception of thunder, its main function is specifically to estimate the proximity of lightning, making it crucial for ensuring safety during outdoor activities in the presence of storms.